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App Store Apps are deployed through Apple’s Volume Purchase Program (VPP), which lets you purchase app licenses in bulk and push them to devices without requiring individual Apple IDs from employees.

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Platform compatibility

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When to use

  • The app is available on the Mac App Store or iOS App Store
  • You want Apple to manage installer updates automatically
  • You need to deploy apps to supervised iOS/iPadOS devices

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Prerequisites

  • An Apple Business Manager (ABM) account
  • VPP connected to the dashboard

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Connect Apple Volume Purchase Program (VPP)

1

Generate a VPP token in ABM

  1. In ABM, go to Sites and create a site if you don’t have one.
  2. Generate a VPP token from that site and download it.
Never connect the same VPP token to two MDMs simultaneously. This causes conflicts and may remove apps from devices.If migrating from another MDM: add your apps first, then ask your previous provider to remove their VPP link. Apps may be temporarily removed from devices and are automatically redeployed once the new link is active.
2

Import the token

  1. Go to MDM > Software > Add app > App Store (VPP).
  2. Select the “No Team” scope.
  3. Upload the VPP token file.
3

Add licenses in ABM

Before deploying an app, ensure you have enough licenses:
  1. In ABM, go to Apps and Books.
  2. Search for the app and purchase the required number of licenses.
  3. Assign the licenses to the site linked to your VPP token.
Licenses are automatically reassigned when a device is unenrolled.

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Available options

  • Install automatically — the app is silently pushed to all targeted devices (macOS, iOS, iPadOS).
  • Self-service — the app appears in the Self-Service portal (macOS only).
  • Install during Zero Touch — the app is pre-installed during device provisioning (macOS only).

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How to add

  1. Go to MDM > Software and click Add app.
  2. Select App Store (VPP) and choose the platform (macOS or iOS/iPadOS).
  3. Browse or search for the app.
  4. Configure deployment options.
  5. Click Add software.

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App patching